I’ll beat it, I always do; however, this current forged steel nemesis appears more durable and tenacious than it’s predecessors. Consequentially, I will need to exhibit greater endurance and stoicism to slay this foe.

Apart from writing, outlets are currently at a premium. As much as I like gardening, when it basks in second place of your existential enjoyment list it’s indicative of the necessity of a new distraction.

When I was in my brother Ian’s company at the weekend, we had the following verbal exchange regarding potential new pastimes:-

Ian (Concerned and attempting to help me with my conundrum) – “Why don’t you climb a mountain, Gaz?”

Me – “To be honest, I’m not really into climbing, E.” …… E is name I use for my bruv as a shortened version of Ian.

Ian – “You might enjoy it, bro…… I know someone who loved it!”

Me (Foolishly) – “Who’s that then?”

Ian – “Former mountaineer, Sir Chris Bonnington.”

Me (Bemused) – “You don’t know Chris Bonnington!”

Ian (Pedantically) – “It’s SIR Chris Bonnington, Gaz….. Show some respect for a knight of the realm!”

Me (Getting evermore irate) – “For f***s sake, E!….. I don’t give a chuff if he’s a knight of the realm…… My point is about you not knowing the legendary mountaineer. Which, despite your dissension to the contrary, remains valid!”

A period of ten seconds silence then ensued, prior to our Ian calmly enquiring:-

“So, have you made up your mind if you’re gonna take up mountain climbing then, Gaz?”

Published by Gary Strachan

2 kids who've flown the nest, 1 wife whose flown with Jet2. Born at a young age in 1960's Leeds, the author became interested in the literary life when his wife bought him a dog. Having an allergy to dogs, he swapped it for a typewriter. Being unable to train the typewriter to retrieve tennis balls, he reluctantly turned to writing...... Website - www.writesaidfred.org
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